Landon went with his dad to Utah for his great-grandma's funeral. So it was just me this weekend. When I showed up, Ruth was out picking up trash that had blown in her backyard and I could tell she was disappointed with it just being me without my little guy... but then my dad came soon after I arrived and asked where Landon was. When I told him he wasn't going to be there he proceeded to tell me to pack up and go home because they didn't want me without the little guy. ;) He was only joking, but it was good to know that they loved him and spending time with him. Sometimes I get worried that Landon is just too much for Dad and Ruth because they are used to it just being the two of them and aren't used to a very energetic 2 1/2 year old running around their house and getting into everything. But this showed me that they truly look forward to our visits and put my worries to rest.
I just stayed one night, but that night was the night that Ruth was going to Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility with a worship group. So it was just dad and I that night.
We took Blue (his huskie) running... and with dad it was letting Blue run by the truck as we rode down a dirt road in the country. hahaha... should have known with my dad that it wasn't going to be us actually walking/running the dog, but the dog getting the exercise as we lounged. lol
Then we went home and dad fixed nachos (he wouldn't allow me to help) while we sat down and watched Second Hand Lions. I can't tell you how long it's been since it's just been me and my dad spending time together, just the two of us. As we sat and watched the movie we held hands and I just felt so peaceful and blessed to have this time with him. So much has happened in our past or in the present that there's not enough time to just sit and enjoy the moment, but this night I was able to just appreciate the opportunity I had to be close to my Dad and relish through all the good memories of the past as the movie continued to play. As the movie ended we put our plates up, but ended up sitting and talking on the couch once again.
I won't write about what we talked through or about, but it has been too long since we've been able to just sit and talk. My dad agreed the next day when he said that every time I visit that we needed to set an hour aside when Landon was down to sit and visit.
The following morning I was surprised by breakfast in bed that was prepared by my father. Yes the eggs were still a bit runny, the Jimmy Dean sausage was perfect of course, and the toast was extra buttery (which I like even though it's not good for me), but it was the act of service that he did that morning that really made me grateful for my father and his example now. I know he was still getting ready because he was in his robe and had an appointment with a friend out on the golf course at 8:40 that morning, but he made sure that I was fed and comfortable before he left. He treats me like a princess whenever I see him. He gives me advice and of course makes me laugh.
A lot of healing took place that weekend and I realized that I have always loved my dad and been a "daddy's girl" since I can remember. I forgot this when I was married, because my husband and father didn't get along. So I hardly made contact with my father due to the escalated tension that would ensue afterwards. So as you can see, our relationship has been strained over the years to say the least... but it is on the mend. I am excited for the time that I have had with my dad and Ruth, not to mention the upcoming trips to their house. They are amazing individuals who are weathered by the events of life and full of knowledge and experience that I hope to be able to gleen from them through our visits. I always seem to walk away from the visits to Othello feeling loved, replenished and renewed. It is a good feeling.
I love my father and hope that he knows I always have despite the challenges or strains in our relationship over the years. He has always been a huge example of what hard work is and that getting what you want requires you to work for it.
3 comments:
It sounds like it was a great weekend, with some necessary alone time with your Dad. We LOVED having Landon with us...he is such a cutie. I haven't spent much time with him and I really enjoyed getting to know your little guy a bit more. He is so sweet and so FUNNY!
I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with Landon like I wanted to but he was so good to give me hugs. He is so adorable and growing up so fast. You are doing a remarkable job raising him. Thanks for sharing.
I'm glad the weekend was a good one for you. I firmly believe that we need to have times away from our kids to gain perspective, and focus on ourselves and our relationships with others (whether it be our husbands, our siblings,our parents, or even just friends).
And we got to focus on our relationship with Landon at the same time. He was so much fun and for some reason singled me out as the one person he was determined to "shoot dead". It was really funny and I loved seeing his little personality. It was also nice because I didn't have Korben with me, so it was fun to have another little energetic boy around. You can see in him that you are a wonderful mother. Keep it up!
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